2000 Dodge Dakota complaints

WE BOUGHT A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT IN JANUARY 2008. EVER SINCE WE'VE HAD IT, IT'S RPM GOES UP TO 3 1/2 TO 4 RPMS BEFORE IT SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND AND FROM SECOND TO THIRD. AT FIRST, IT WAS WHEN WE WOULD FIRST LEAVE OUR PARKING LOT, AND NOW IT DOES IT ALMOST ALL THE TIME. WE BOUGHT IT AT KUNES IN DELAVAN, WISCONSIN AND THEY SAY THAT IT'S NORMAL. WE'VE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE OR KNOWN ANYBODY WHO HAS EVER HAD THAT HAPPENED TO. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT. IF THIS IS NORMAL WHY IS IT GETTING WORSE THE MORE WE DRIVE IT. *TR

TIMING COVER HOUSING THAT ALSO HOUSES WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT, HAS POOR CASTING QUALITY WHERE COOLANT ENTERS HOUSING FROM LOWER RADIATOR HOSE RESULTING IN EROSION OF MATERIAL AND ULTIMATELY LEAKS OUT RADIATOR FLUID. AFTER SPEAKING WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATE, THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO FURNISH PARS FOR REPAIR OR LABOR TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. EVEN WITH HAVING INFORMATION THAT AN AVERAGE OF 24 PARTS PER WEEK ACROSS U.S. ARE BEING ORDERED AND REPLACED THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO ACT UPON THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE MADE DUE TO POOR PRODUCT QUALITY FOR ENGINE COMPONENTS THAT ARE ESSENTIALLY NON-CONSUMABLE. *TR

PREMATURE FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE: REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING AT 72,026 MILES; NEEDS REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT 79,505 MILES; 15 MONTHS LATER. (2000 DODGE DAKOTA: P/N: 52009528AE. *TR

I HAVE A 2000 DODGE QUADCAB 4.7 PIECE OF CRAP TRUCK THAT I BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS 59,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED SINCE NEW WITH THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. IN ADDITION, I HAVE REPLACED TWO OF THE COMPUTERS WHICH COST ME ABOUT $1800 COMBINED. FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO IT HAS BEEN RUNNING LIKE CRAP. IT STALLS, THE IDLE SPEED FLUCTUATES DRASTICALLY. AT TIMES THE IDLE SPEED WILL GO FROM 500 TO 2500 RPMS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. THE PEOPLE NEXT TO ME MUST WONDER WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE LUNGING THE WAY IT DOES. THE SECOND COMPUTER THAT WAS REPLACED WAS DONE IN AN EFFORT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND IT FAILED. IM AM TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON A VEHICLE WITH SO FEW MILES FOR A PROBLEM THAT MANY MANY OTHER DODGE OWNER HAVE EXPERIENCED. I FEEL LIKE I WAS DUPED. MY WIFE'S TOYOTA CAMRY JUST HIT 130,000 MILES AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. *TR

CLIPS IN REAR DIFFERENTIAL BROKE (BELIEVE THEY HELD THE SPRING TO THE CLUTCH PLATES). CAR IS DODGE DAKOTA 2000, WITH 80,000 MILES OF LIGHT USE ( NO TOWING, LIGHT AND INFREQUENT HAULING) BELEIVE THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT WITH THE CLIPS THAT MAY CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.*CN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE METALLIC BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. THE CONSUMER STATED HAD 2 FRONT BRAKE LINES PLUS SECOND LINE BETWEEN JUNCTION BLOCKS REPLACED BY THE DEALER AND AFTER INSPECTION REVEALED ADDITIONAL RUST. UPDATED 11/20/07 *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN HE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. HE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE UPPER BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF SYMMETRY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, ROTORS, CALIPERS, AND TIRES. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 101,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER WILL NOT REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 93,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION, BALL JOINTS, AND TIRE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 85,100 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,400.

ROTORS AND FRONT BRAKE PADS WEAR OUT PREMATURLY. ROTOR WEAR INDICATES THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH THE CALIPER PRIMARILY APPLYING PREASSURE FROM THE PISTON SIDE WHILE THE OPOSING SIDE SEEMS TO BIND. REAR BRAKES ARE STILL ORIGINAL WHILE FRONT HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES.

TRUCK FUEL LEAK. 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB PURCHASED NEW DECEMBER 1999; MILEAGE 66,000 + ; EXTENSIVE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE, ALSO GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE; TRUCK IS NOT 4WD AND IS ONLY DRIVEN OVER PAVED ROADS. . STARTED SMELLING FUEL IN GARAGE, THEN COULD SMELL FUEL WHEN TRUCK PARKED IN OPEN, FINALLY COULD SMELL FUEL WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH WINDOWS CLOSED AND AIR / FAN NOT ON RECIRCULATE. WENT TO DEALER, FOUND FUEL DRIPPING FROM VEHICLE TANK. DEALER SAYS IT IS A MOLDED FUEL LINE FROM THE TANK, AND IT IS BEING REPLACED NOW. THIS IS THE SECOND FUEL LEAK IN THIS VEHICLE!! JUST OVER 2 YEARS AGO, THE TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY QUIT WHILE DRIVING,AND IT TOOK 4 VISITS TO 3 DEALERS TO GET THE FUEL PUMP / FILTER DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM. THAT REPAIR LEFT A FUEL LEAK WHICH REQUIRED 2 SUBSEQUENT TRIPS TO DEALER [ AND ONE OTHER REPAIR FACILITY] TO GET REPAIRED. DRIVER / OWNER IS 60+, WITH EXTENSIVE DRIVING EXPERIENCE, HAVING OWNED 3 TRUCKS, AND AT LEAST 10 OVER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN THE US, JAPAN, AND GERMANY, AND IS A PILOT BY TRAINING. DRIVER / OWNER HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED A FUEL LEAK IN A PREVIOUS VEHICLE; HE ALSO THINKS THAT HIS EXPECTATIONS ARE NOT OUTRAGEOUS , AND THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.*JB

THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA HAVE FAILED TO WORK. THEY LOCK BUT DO NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED 2 TIMES AND HAVE FAILED A THIRD . I WAS TOLD THE DOOR LATCH/LOCK ASSEMBLY IS THE PART THAT IS FAILING ALSO THE CENTRAL TIMER MODULE IS ALSO IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE WITH THE REMOTE BUT WILL NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE. *JB

NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND VIBRATION FROM STEERING WHEEL. SOUNDS AS IF POWER STEERING PUMP WAS LOW ON FLUID. MAKES A LOAD NOISE WHEN STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. DROVE SHORT DISTANCE TO REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS SHOCKED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSES HAD SPLIT. ALSO THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL HAVE TO BE REBUILT IF POSSIBLE IF NOT REPLACED. ALSO A BOOT WAS TORN AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. WORK HAS NOT BEEN STARTED AS I FIND IT IS NECESSARY TO GET MORE THAN ONE ESTIMATE. THE LOCAL GARAGE WANTS IN EXCESS OF $1200 FOR THE REPAIRS WHILE THE DEALER WANTS OVER $2000. APPROXIMATELY 12 MONTHS AGO I HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND HAD TO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AT AN EXTRA CHARGE. NO VISUAL SIGNS OF WEAR WAS NOTICED. *JB

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HER 2000 DODGE DAKOTA (139000 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 50 MPH IN THE LIGHT RAIN, SHE ATTEMPTED TO GO AROUND A SLIGHTLY SHARP CURVE, BUT THE CURVE TURNED OUT TO BE SHARPER THAN EXPECTED. WHEN THE CONTACTS APPLIED THE BRAKES HEAVILY THE WHEELS LOCKED, AND THE CONTACT SKIDDED, HITTING THE EMBANKMENT. AFTER THE CRASH, IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT BELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO SECURE THE OCCUPANT IN THE SEAT. AS A RESULT, SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE WINDSHIELD. *AK

TRUCK STARTED TO PULL TO RIGHT UPON MID-LEVEL BRAKING. WAS TOLD BRAKES OK, TIE ROD ENDS BAD/REPLACED, NO CHANGE. THEN TOLD RACK & PINION BAD/REPLACED, SLIGHT CHANGE, STILL PULLS TO RIGHT, GETTING WORSE. NOW 3 MONTHS LATER AND AFTER $400.00 IN REPAIRS, I GO WITH A DIFFERENT SHOP, I WAS TOLD BRAKES CALIPER BOLTS ARE STRIPPING OUT. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKE SHOES TO MOVE WHEN BRAKING, BINDING, THEN PULLING THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF HANDS. HAS ALSO CAUSED RIGHT TIE-ROD END TO GO BAD AGAIN. THE BIGGEST DANGER IS THAT UPON BRAKING THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS TO THE RIGHT AND I COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND A GOOD USED STEERING KNUCKLE AND ALL THE ONES FOUND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIX IS, IF CAUGHT SOON ENOUGH, HELI-COIL NEW THREADS OR REPLACING THE STEERING KNUCKLE ($415.00 PART ALONE). *JB

MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS FAILED. I ALSO OWN A 2001 CARAVAN WHOSE DRIVERS SIDE REGULATOR BROKE 2 YEARS AGO AND MY 2001 DURANGO HAD BOTH LEFT SIDE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE AS WELL. THAT IS NOW 4 WINDOWS REGULATORS FAILED IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS. *NM

HEATER CORE BUSTED AT 42000 MILES. *JB

A DESIGN FAILURE IN THE TIMING CHAIN COVER 4.7 CID 2000 DODGE DAKOTA IN THE HOUSING WHERE THE THER. HOUSING BOLTS TO THE COVER. A PIN HOLE LEAK OCCURRED. DODGE HAS REDESIGNED THIS COVER 2 TIMES TO CORRECT THE DESIGN ERROR. DEFECT COVER IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. 145,000 MILES. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED ON A WORSENING BASIS WHILE TRYING TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. NO REPLACEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE. THE CONTACT ENCOUNTERED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE # 10120725 REGARDING THE STEERING COLUMN.

I OWN A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB. 3 OUT 4 ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING IN THE SAME YEAR AND THE LAST THAT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED WILL NOT LOCK WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. *NM

I BOUGHT A 00 DAKOTA R/T USED NOT FROM A DEALER IN 2004. I HAD SOME ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRUCK WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED FROM. THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE SOME PARTS TO ALIGN IT WHICH COST OVER $1000. ABOUT 1 1/2 YEARS LATER IT NEEDED ALIGNMENT AGAIN AND NOW THE ALIGNMENT IS STILL OFF. THE WHEELS ARE FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND THERE IS A CREAKING SOUND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND IT ALSO FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO SUSPENSION AT ALL. I HAVE CHANGED THE SHOCKS RECENTLY AND IT MADE NO DIFFERENCE WHATSOEVER. *JB

FELT 'CLUNKING' NOISES THROUGH STEERING WHEEL. DURING ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS VEHICLE INSPECTION IN AUGUST 2006 TRUCK FAILED ON FRONT SUSPENSION TEST. TOOK TO WCS AUTOMOTIVE IN ROCKLAND, MA. MECHANIC DETERMINED BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ON BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS $809.56. OLD (ORIGINAL) PARTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. *JB

I OWN A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA 2WD. THERE ARE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS ON THE FRONT END. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 4WD DAKOTAS, HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THE BALL JOINTS ON THE 2WD MODELS. THERE WAS AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" THAT WAS SILENTLY (AS IN I NEVER KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE) ON THE BALL JOINTS ON THE 2WD MODELS. I HAVE HAD 6 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS TROUBLE WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE (I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW 07/2000). AS IN I HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS ON THE FRONT END AT LEAST EVERY 3 MONTHS FOR THE FIRST 18 MONTHS OF OWNING IT. I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED (FRONT AND REAR ALIGNMENTS) OVER A HALF DOZEN TIMES. ALL WORK DONE IN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS WAS DONE AT THE DEALER, WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN, AND PROBABLY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. AFTER 18 MONTHS OF PAYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM (OUT OF MY OWN POCKET BECAUSE DODGE'S WARRANTY ISN'T WORTH THE PAPER IT'S WRITTEN ON) I CONCEDED DEFEAT (AND TOOK THE WORD OF THE DEALER) THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT BUT MAINTAINING THE ROTORS AND PURCHASING NEW TIRES EVER 12-16 MONTHS. WHEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, DODGE IS UNWILLING TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. IF NO ONE HAS DIED, THERE IS NO PROBLEM. LET ALL BUYERS BEWARE, SAFETY IS NOT ALWAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE. *JB

THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCKING INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT ACTIVATING THE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH. THERE IS ALSO A CLICKING SOUND FROM THE POWER DOOR LOCKS. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ANOTHER DRIVER TURNED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 35-40MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, BUT THE VEHICLES COLLIDED IN A NEAR HEAD ON POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. THE POLICE TOOK A REPORT AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF AN ANGLED PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THE OUTER TIE ROD CAME APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING UPPER BALL JOINT RECALL (04V-596000)THAT CAUSED POSSIBLE COLLISION AND DEATH OF PASSENGER. *TS *NM

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA PICKUP TRUCK. SHE HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. FORTUNATELY SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP (SHE OF COURSE LOST ALL POWER ASSIST TO THE STEERING AND BRAKES). THE DEALERSHIP DENIED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY CLAIM SO I PURCHASED A REBUILT ENGINE BLOCK AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING IT INSTALLED. THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SLUDGE BUILDUP IN THE MANIFOLD AND A PISTON ROD HAD BROKEN. *NM

2000 DODGE DAKOTA CONSTANT MECHANICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF ROTORS, BRAKE PADS, AND BALL JOINTS THEY USE. THEY USE INFERIOR PRODUCTS THAT DO NOT LAST ON A VEHICLE BASED ON NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. HAVE TO CONSTANTLY REPLACE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ABOUT EVERY 20,000 MILES. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. DODGE PRODUCTS FROM THE EARLIER YEARS REALLY SUCK. I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE NEWEST MODELS SUCH AS 2004 AND 2005. *NM

WHEN THE TRUCK IS STARTED THE REAR DRUM BRAKES HAVE A TENDENCY TO LOCK UPON FIRST BRAKING. ABS DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. BRAKE OPERATION NORMAL AFTERWARDS. HAD AN ASE MECHANIC ADJUST DRUMS PROBLEM RETURNED FOUR MONTHS LATER. FRONT ROTORS HAVE WARPED TWICE. FIRST TIME THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS/25K MILEAGE. ROTORS WERE REPLACED AGAIN 2 YEARS LATER/50K MILEAGE. REAR DRUMS ARE NOT ADJUSTING PROPERLY. *JB

WHEN THE TRUCK IS OFF FOR SEVERAL MINUTES OR MORE, IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS FOR THE ENGINE TO START. THIS STARTED WHEN IT WAS ABOUT 5 YRS OLD WITH ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON IT. IT WILL START IMMEDIATELY IF IT HAS JUST BEEN TURNED OFF. I SUSPECT A LOWERING OF GAS LINE PRESSURE WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH. IT STRUCK A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. HOWEVER, HE SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR FUNCTIONED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT BY THE COMPUTER CODES. HE STATED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE IMPACT. THIS DETERMINATION WAS MADE BASED ON THE DATA COLLECTED BY THE REPRESENTATIVE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK

THE 2000 4 WD DODGE DAKOTA WITH THE 4.7 ENGINE THAT WE OWN AND BOUGHT NEW (LAST TIME...) HAD AN OIL PUMP FAILURE AT 60K MILES. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM CITING SLUDGE BUILD UP AND LACK OF MAINTENANCE AS THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE AND THE REASON FOR THE LONGER THAN QUOTED REPAIR TIME. ORIGINALLY THE QUOTE WAS FOR 6-8 HOURS PLUS THE COST OF THE PUMP WHICH ALSO CAME IN HIGHER THAN QUOTED, WE ENDED UP PAYING MORE THAN TWICE THE QUOTED HOURS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PUMP. THE "SLUDGE" BUILD UP PROBLEM BOTHERS ME BECAUSE IT IS REPORTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN THE 4.7 MAGNUM ENGINE. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE PICK UP TUBE OF THE PUMP WAS BLOCKED WITH SLUDGE, HENCE THE OIL PUMP FAILURE. WELL THAT IN IT SELF IS ALL UNDERSTANDABLE HOWEVER, WHY DOES IT MAKE SLUDGE...? THREE YEARS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WHILE CHANGING THE OIL I HAPPENED TO HAVE DISCOVERED A SLIMY SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE OIL FILL SPOUT ON THE ENGINE, ASKED THE SERVICE FOLKS AT THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CONDITION AND THE REPLY WAS YES, THIS IS A KNOWN CONDITION, COME IN FOR THE RETROFIT TO CURE THIS "MOISTURE" PROBLEM IN THE 4.7 ENGINE. THE SERVICE DEPT DID INDEED INSTALL THIS BAFFLE AND CAP AND I ASKED THEN IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CONDITION. NO WAS THE REPLY. SO, MY CONTENTION IS THAT THE AFOREMENTIONED OIL SPOUT SLUDGE PROBLEM WENT HAND IN HAND WITH THE SLUDGE BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. I FEEL THAT THE O

THERE HAS BEEN A FAILURE OF THE OIL PUMP IN MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA SLE WITH THE 3.8 LITER ENGINE.... 60K MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY...!! 60000 MILES !! THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT CLAIMS THAT IT WAS DUE TO SLUDGE BUILD UP OF THE PICK UP TUBE OF THE OIL PUMP. I CHANGED THE OIL OFTEN AND USE A GOOD QUALITY SYNTHETIC OIL... NO WAY "SLUDGE" COULD BE BUILT UP DUE TO THE OIL. I HAVE SEEN OTHER INSTANCES OF THIS ENGINE HAVING BEEN KNOWN TO MAKE SLUDGE ON THE INTERNET... GREAT...!! IN A RELATED MATTER, I HAD THE OIL FILLER TUBE REPLACED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO AS IT WAS SLUDGE UP... THE SERVICE FELLOW REPLACED A BAFFLE AND CAP ON THE FILLER TUBE.. THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SLUDGE BUILD UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE TUBE ASSEMBLY. ARE THE TWO RELATED..? I WOULD LIKE FOR DODGE TO PAY FOR THE OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT IF THEY KNEW BEFORE HAND THAT THIS ENGINE INDEED MAKES SLUDGE. *JB

ON MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA MY STEERING KNUCKLE SNAPPED PAST THE TIE ROD ON THE WHEEL PART OF THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE IF THE VEHICLE (FRONT) THIS PART IS APPROXIMATELY A 1 INCH BY ONE INCH OF SOLID STEEL. THIS RESULTED IN A CRASH WITH A PARKED MANATEE COUNTY PATROL CAR. I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE SNAPPED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. THE INVESTIGATING POLICE OFFIER AGREED. I WAS NOT ISSUED ANY TRAFFIC VIOLATION AFTER THE OFFICER SAW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED . I PLAN TO BE FOLLOWING UP ON THIS WITH A PHONE CALL TO YOUR AGENY. I WONDER HOW MANY TICKING TIME BOMBS ARE OUT THERE? I AM AWARE OF THE RECALL OF UPPER BALL JOINTS FALLING OFF AND I AM WONDERING IF MAYBE DEFECTIVE STEEL IS THE CAUSE. *NM

I READ IN TODAY'S PAPER ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION OF 2004-05 DAKOTAS AND DURANGOS WITH THE INVESTIGATION INTO STEERING LOOSENESS AND PROBLEMS - OUR 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB HAD TO HAVE THE SHAFT REPLACED DUE TO A BROKEN CONNECTION - IT HAD LOOSENED FOR A LONG TIME UNTIL IT AFFECTED OUR DRIVING. THE DEALER REPAIRED IT TO THE TUNE OF $ 250 AND ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER MY MINISTER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER DODGE DURANGO ALSO 2000 - THE MECHANIC EVEN SAID "DO YOU KNOW A MRS. KSIONZYK FROM YOUR TOWN - I JUST REPLACED THE SAME THING ON HER DAKOTA" I DON'T THINK THIS IS A COINCIDENCE - THIS IS A VERY SMALL DEALER AND COMMUNITY. *JB

BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE PIPES. *JB

POWER LOCK ACTUATORS ALL FAILED ONE AFTER ANOTHER. THE FIRST ONE TO FAIL WAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR IN 2002. THE OTHER REAR AND PASSENGER FRONT FAILED IN 2004 AND NOW THE DRIVER'S POWER LOCK ACTUATOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. IS THIS COMMON AND SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL IF SO?*JB

DT: 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER HAD AN INDICATION THAT IT LOOKED LIKE A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT UNLESS THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ON THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. SPOKE TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID THAT EVEN THOUGH THE WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ON NOW THAT THE AIRBAG WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND GO REFERENCE NUMBER 14124132. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN AT NOON ON OCTOBER 4, 2005. . THE STEREO WAS COMPLETELY OUT. THIS OCCURRED WHEN ACTIVATING THE TILT ON STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS RADIO CONTROLS THAT GO THROUGH VIA THE CLOCKSPRING. *AK

TRANSMISSION FAILED ON DODGE DAKOTA ON A HILL. NO CRASH BUT I HEARD THIS IS HAPPENING TO TONS OF DODGE TRUCKS AT AROUND 70,000 MILES. SOME ONE COULD GET HURT. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. *NM

2000 DODGE DAKOTA DEVELOPED A MISFIRE IN THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY READ WHERE THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT REGARDING A SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

BRAKES, OUT OF ROUND OR WARPED ROTORS AND DRUMS, PREVENTS SMOOTH STOPPING AND LOCKS-UP INDIVIDUAL WHEELS. FRONT ROTORS AND REAR DRUMS REPLACED TWICE IN 50K MILES, AND WORN OUT AGAIN. *JB

2000 DODGE DAKOTA RECALL #119667 (UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT). I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO GET THE RECALL PERFORMED AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT TO SET CASTER, THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE TOE ADJUSTMENT IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT NOT THE CASTER, DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGREES WITH THEM. I HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS OF REPAIRING CARS FOR 18 YEARS AND 99% OF VEHICLES THAT HAVE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED NEED A CASTER ADJUSTMENT. DODGE NEEDS TO INCLUDE THIS IN THE RECALL AND GIVE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE PAID FOR THIS ADJUSTMENT THEIR MONEY BACK. *NM

I HAVE A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT. THE COLOR IS SOLAR YELLOW. IN LATE APRIL OF THIS YEAR, I NOTICED THAT MY CLEAR COAT WAS STARTING TO PEEL AND IT WAS TURNING WHITE IN OTHER SECTIONS OF MY TRUCK. I TOOK IT INTO A DODGE DEALER WHICH TOLD ME THAT THE CLEAR COAT IS TOO THIN ON ALL PANELS. HE CONTACTED CHRYSLER TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG, AND THEY DENIED TO FIX IT SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SO I WROTE THEM A LETTER ASKING THEM TO RECONSIDER SINCE IT WASN'T MY FAULT THAT THE CLEAR COAT WAS TOO THIN ON THE WHOLE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE ENGINE OF MY 2000 DODGE DAKOTA TRUCK, 4.7 LITER V8, JUST QUIT. THE RESULT WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. POWER ASSIST FOR THE BRAKES QUIT AFTER TWO ATTEMPS AT BRAKEING. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD AND STOPPED. I RESTARTED THE TRUCK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT DAY, THE CHECK ENGINE WAS NOT ON. A WEEK PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRENCE, THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. AT THAT TIME, ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON. IT WOULD GO OUT IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO.

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 DODGE DAKOTA. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS AND THAT AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WHICH WOULD COST $60. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE'S ALIGNMENT BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS DONE. *NM *JB

I PURCHACED IN MARCH 2004 A USED 2000 DODGE DAKOTA QUAD CAB WITH 71,000 MILES. WITH IN THE FIRST MONTH THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN JULY '04 THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR REGULATOR WENT OUT THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN SEPT '04 THE LEFT REAR WINDOW WENT BAD. IN MAY 2005 THE LEFT FRONT DOOR REGULATOR WENT OUT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THERE IS NO RECALL ON ANY OF THESE REGULATORS. EVEN THOU ITS A 2000 AND IN GOOD SHAPE. THE DEALER INFORMS ME NO RECALLS. I HAVE RESEARCHED ON LINE FOR ANY INFORMATION TO CONFIRM THIS? NO LUCK. I'M VERY FRUSTERATED AS A DODGE OWNER. THERE HAS TO BE SOME INFORMATION SOME WHERE TO SUPPORT ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAPPING WITH IN THE FIRST YEAR.

THE CONSUMER HAD TROUBLE UNLOCKING THE PASSENGER DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE CONSUMER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER. *JB POWER LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK EITHER DOOR OF VEHICLE, WHETHER USING THE KEYLESS ENTRY KEYHOLE OR USING THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK VEHICLE IS BY A COMBINATION OF USING KEY AND REMOTE AT THE SAME TIME AS PULLING UP THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON. THIS CONDITION WOULD BE QUITE UNSAFE IN ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION AND NEED TO REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISE AT 34,000 MILES BUT STILL WORK. VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING AT ABOUT 38,500 MILES. *SB *NM

TRANSMISSION SHIFTED ROUGH FROM WHEN IT WAS BRAND NEW. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHOP NO LESS THEN 10 TIMES IN 5 YEARS COMPLAINING. NO PROBLEM COULD BE ID'D UNTIL LAST WEEK. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON WHILE SITTING IN PARK. THE DEALERSHIP ID'D PROBLEM AS FAULTY VALVE BODY. REPLACED VALVE BODY AND TRANSMISSION SOLENOID, AT A COST OF OVER $950. VEHICLE HAS 63,000 MILES.

THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED THEN TWO WEEKS LATER DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FAILED. THE POWER DOOR LOCKS MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN LOCKING OR UNLOCKING. MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *NM